[cathvash]

Yeah, well I didn't know where it is either! It is in the wild "Far East", 4 hours up the coast from Vladivostok on the Sea of Japan.

Strange place to have ended up. Perhaps no one knows where it is because they have almost no communications here, internet or reliable phone service either for that matter!!! "No...(they say), Eet ALWAYS work until now" Great.

Actually, I am very excited to be here, despite the inconvienences. In my last post, I was reeling from the trip over and trying to fight to a decision, pretty much alone, about whether to decline my blind referral. I'm a nurse and have this need to "fix" broken people. I had to totally disconnect from that mindset and look practically at my limitations as a parent.

The child I declined will, I hope, be accepted by a couple with one stay-at-home parent who can lock this child to his/her hip for several months and feed him 5-6 nutritious meals a day, get him to rehab appointments etc. and kiss him a hundred times a day. With that kind of intense intervention, who knows?

I was worried about how the local MOE official was going to react about the declined referral. She had been strict with several families at my hotel. Actually, as it turns out, she was the same lady who placed my daughter with me 3 years ago, and she remembered her! When the photos popped out of my purse, and she saw how Alex has bloomed, the ice melted..."Now tell me...What kind of child you wish?"

Next thing I knew, I was checking out of the comfort of the North American oasis of a hotel in Vladivostok, with it's many wonderful adoptive parents (it's amazing how you make quick friends over here), and heading off to meet a child in some distant place I had not expected to be.

Actually, I was planning for Tommy train and Sesame Street, and ended up with the referral of a 15 month old! Back to diapers!! This wasn't within my minimum age requested, but I just had a feeling this time the child was the "right" one and accepted the referral for a younger boy.

It would not be ethical for me to say too much at this time, and I sure would love to post a photo, but that will have to wait. I CAN say that when I got to the Nahodka hospital, the most darling "leprechaun" came through the door - covered with wild strawberry blond curls and a wide grin! He's a handful and a half, but a real sweetheart!

Of course, it aint over till it's over, but I feel hopeful eveything will work out now.

For those waiting, and for those who will have to go "blind", don't despair! Though it may be scary and difficult, the outcome is what matters. They say "follow your gut" when it comes to making these types of decisions, and you can count me in that camp now. The "gut" was what led me to this point.

Thanks for all of your support. It made a big difference!!

[diane614]

I've been following your other post and hoping for the best for you. I'm glad things are better.

Best of luck to you. Keep us posted.

[linda512]

Popping in from the Guatemala board. I have been following your story after your first post. My heart went out to you as a fellow single mother. I could not accept a child who may be special needs either.
I am so happy you find your son! I will keep following and can't wait to hear more and see pics.

[votemom]

oh my gosh i am so happy to read this post - and i'm so happy for you and for this little guy!!

having been to remote siberia, i can attest that it's a fascinating experience.

i'm so thankful that things have worked out!!

[Pinkie]

So pleased to hear all is going well.

[MissDaisyofTexas]

Cathvash--

I am so happy for you! It sounds like things are working out. Yay!!!

Godspeed to you the rest of your trip and coming home.

[Kasey]

So happy to read all has worked out on this trip for you!! Congrats!!!!

[Katie63011]

How wonderful, I am glad that things worked out!

[becky26]

Great, great, great! I am so happy for you and your daughter and son-to-be! Have a safe (long) trip home!

[Amysue1112]

Oh Cathy..I cannot tell you how HAPPY I m for you! I did not realize you were a nurse....sure does make you go in with you eyes open huh...we almost know TOO much....

You are just amazing to handle this alone..what a strong woman you arei! I will never forget the heartbreak when we lost our referral the morning we were to meet her..of course and then we got our Hannah.and we were on top of the world! The extreme feelings that one can go through is 24hrs is crazy isn't it? I am so so soooo happy that the MOE remembered you and your daughter!!! We need those "angels" along the way....

Again, I am soo excited for you and can't wait to hear more! I know how frustrating it is not to be able to make contact with home. Hopefully the rest of your process goes very smoothly and all of your dreams come true!!

[ddahl]

Thrilled to hear the news! Hugging you all from afar!

[jkealy]

Yipee, I am so happy for you Cathy. Enjoy every moment!
Jacqueline

[DET62]

I am SO happy to hear from you and know things are working out! I was praying for you.

My daughter is from a place not far from you, Khabarovsk.

Please keep us posted. Stay warm, too!
Dee

[his,mine&ours]

Cath - thrilled to hear that things are working out for you. Can't wait to see that little leprechaun. It's funny, that's the same term we think of when we look at our referral's pictures!!!

Good luck and enjoy the rest of your trip!!!!

[dlhall]

I'm so thrilled for you. I know how heart-wrenching it is to make the decision to decline a referral, but it always seems to work out. I have two beautiful children now that I know were meant to be mine! Congratulations! I'm so glad things are working out for you. Hope you have a quick return for court.

Liz